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Mahama Declares Two-Week Remand of Democracy Hub Demonstrators as ‘High-Handed’ and a Rights Abuse
Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has strongly condemned the remanding of the Democracy Hub protesters, describing their two-week detention as an abuse of their rights.
The protesters were arrested during a three-day demonstration at the 37 Roundabout, where they raised concerns over the environmental destruction caused by illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.
The peaceful demonstration turned tense on Sunday, September 22, 2024, when a major confrontation broke out between the protesters and the Ghana Police Service.
Taking to his social media page, Mahama emphasized that while law and order are important, they should not come at the expense of the rights and freedoms of Ghanaians, especially the youth, who are fighting for their future.
Read Also: Kofi Kinaata, Efya, Kelvynboy, Others Support #FreetheCitizens Campaign
He emphasized that draconian judicial decisions like this will not silence the voices of those demanding change on critical national issues, such as illegal mining.
“The remanding of the Democracy Hub demonstrators is high-handed and an abuse of their rights,” he stated, urging authorities to request the judge to review the decision and grant the demonstrators bail immediately.
“The youth of Ghana have a right to engage in manifestations to protect their future especially in respect of key issues like the destruction of the environment through illegal mining. Draconian judicial decisions such as this won’t stop them from speaking out,” he added.
https://x.com/JDMahama/status/1839253929546121576?s=19
The protest, known as the #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, has sparked the #FreetheCitizens campaign on social media, with a growing number of celebrities voicing their support. Public figures such as Ama K. Abebrese, Berla Mundi, Efya, Lydia Forson, and Kofi Kinaata, among others, have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to demand the release of the arrested individuals, citing violations of human rights, including lack of access to food, water, and legal representation.
